The Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management offers courses leading to the degree of Masters of Political Management.

The MPM program provides an intensive professional education that prepares its graduates for positions of responsibility and authority in electoral, legislative, and advocacy politics: as political staff to cabinet ministers and elected representatives; strategists and tacticians for political parties; campaign managers and communication advisers; and organizers for civil society agencies and grassroots movements.

The degree comprises 5.0 credits and has been designed so as to be completed in 10 months of full-time study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

hold an honours baccalaureate or equivalent with a minimum of a B+ average (based on Carleton University CGPA grade scale).

demonstrate a commitment to and aptitude for political management through prior involvement in party or campus politics, grassroots organization, political advocacy, or similar experience.

Although there is no formal second language requirement for the degree, individuals preparing for political professions in Canada should have or develop a facility in French.

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not completed a previous degree at an English-language university must demonstrate fluency in English via any one of the criteria outlined in the general regulations of the Graduate calendar.

Required Documents

After you have submitted your online application and your application fee has been processed, you will be instructed on how to upload your required documents in Carleton Central. For complete information regarding required documents, please visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Application Deadline

February 1st is the principle deadline for applications to the Political Management program. Most programs have two application deadlines. Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first deadline to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Students who apply after the first deadline will only be granted admission if space remains available in the program.

How to Apply

The application process to graduate studies at Carleton for all prospective students is the same and must be completed online. For complete information regarding the application process please visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

All students who apply to the Political Management Program will be considered for funding. A separate application is not required. In order to be considered for funding, you must submit a completed application (including all required documents) before the first deadline. The program does not offer teaching or research assistantships.